Dodai Stewart

Legendary soprano Yma Sumac, the "Peruvian songbird," has died at an assisted living facility in Los Angeles. She was 86. Born Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chavarri del Castillo, the singer rose to fame in 1950s Hollywood because of her amazing vocals and unique style. She chose the name Yma Sumac, which means "how pretty" in Inca's Quechua language. Sumac had a five-octave range and was known for her flawless, precise, never-out-of tune singing style. Her voice was sometimes a growl, sometimes a fluttering, piercing flute. She is the only Peruvian whose name is written in Hollywood's Walk of Fame. (Click pic at left for some embedded video, to hear her voice.) [AP]
"Bo Mambo." One of her most famous recordings, and a personal fave. "Gopher Mambo" Calls of the Andes "Tumpa" "Pachamama" Here's video of Brigitte Bardot dancing, but they used a great Yma Sumac track.